Hearing loss incurred in the workplace is a compensable disease in terms of Schedule 3 of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act (COID act).

If workers are exposed to sound levels greater than 85dB, a hearing loss can develop.

Why is an Industrial Hearing Tests so critically important?

Individuals who work in high level noise are the most susceptible to developing hearing loss and tinnitus sooner than later. Age-related hearing loss occurs naturally over time, but occupational noise exposure speeds this process up, putting men and women at risk for developing early-onset hearing loss and/or tinnitus. This may have worrying consequences to the company.

Industrial hearing screenings offer annual hearing checks for workers who are regularly exposed to harmful levels of noise in their work environment. Our goal in providing these COID-mandated screenings is to determine whether occupational noise exposure is having a detrimental effect on an employee’s hearing ability over time. This could save the company countless law suites and unnecessary financial loss. Because once one’s hearing is damaged it cannot ever be repaired.

What tests are conducted?

Otoscopy

Screening Test

Three types of audiograms are mentioned:

Baseline audiogram:

Baselines can only be done on employees who are going to work in a noise zone for the first time or on employees working in a newly identified noise zone.

The baseline must be done within 30 days of employment.

Each worker thus only has one opportunity to have a baseline done.

If a valid baseline is not determined his baseline will be a PLH of 0%.

Copies of baselines must be given to employees as it is applicable for the rest of their working careers.

Periodic audiogram:

Baselines can only be done on employees who are going to work in a noise zone for the first time or on employees working in a newly identified noise zone.

The baseline must be done within 30 days of employment.

Each worker thus only have one opportunity to have a baseline done.

If a valid baseline is not determined his baseline will be a PLH of 0%.

Copies of baselines must be given to employees as it is applicable for the rest of their working careers.

Exit audiogram:

The exit audiogram should be performed on each employee at the end of employment or contract, or when permanently transferred out of the noise zone

An audio done during the period of 6 months preceding the date when the exit audio is required, shall satisfy this requirement.

The exit audio must be preceded by a period of at least 16 hours during which the employee was not exposed to noise levels of 85dBA and above. The wearing of hearing protectors complying with SANS 1451 shall satisfy the requirement.

The same standards as for the periodic test.

How long does it take?

It usually takes up to 10min for one patient to be screened. We make sure to get the most accurate results from each test to provide our clients with a full report on each patient tested. Should a large number of employees needs to be tested we provide more equipment to get it done in a shorter period of time. We understand that each man hour in industries is worth a lot!

What equipment do we use?

We use the latest technology available to the world, proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa. This specific only requires a quiet room/venue where the tests may be conducted. Thus, no booth is required!

What does it cost?

We are known to provide our clients with great rates that competes throughout our industry. It really all depends on the location and volume of employees to be tested.

How long does it take?

It usually takes up to 10min for one patient to be screened. We make sure to get the most accurate results from each test to provide our clients with a full report on each patient tested. Should a large number of employees needs to be tested we provide more equipment to get it done in a shorter period of time. We understand that each man hour in industries is worth a lot!

What equipment do we use?

We use the latest technology available to the world, proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa. This specific only requires a quiet room/venue where the tests may be conducted. Thus, no booth is required!

What does it cost?

We are known to provide our clients with great rates that competes throughout our industry. It really all depends on the location and volume of employees to be tested.